yeah...so it's that time of year. where i feel like i'm on a treadmill but i can't ever quite run fast enough.that's how fall is every year. getting used to a new school schedule always makes me extra scatterbrained.
but add new town,new house,new everything into the mix...and wow. extra scatter. :)j has been out of town and it's funny...i'm used to him being gone days,weeks,months,YEARS at a time. literally.
we are really missing him. turns out we kind of like having him around every day. who knew?? ;)but it's all good. life is good. and happy. i am really happy right now. for the first time in years i am not stressed.
even more importantly, i'm not worried. and i haven't been able to say that for a long,long,long time. i actually don't remember the last time i could say that.
are any of you in the connecticut area? it looks like i'll probably be attending CKU stamford (as a TA to a dear friend-i'll tell you more if it works out)and i would love to meet any of you who might be there!
i'll also definitely be attending cha in anaheim this january and working at the MME booth.i have to tell you i'm so excited to do a little bit of travel this year. this job has been such a blessing for me.
it has fulfilled me so much. not only creatively, but intellectually. it's refreshing to use my brain for something other than my children.
does that make sense?
um, could this post be more random? yes. yes it could.
here are some pictures from this weekend:
we had pizza/movie night and beauty shop morning:
fall/halloween decorating:
dress up. please do NOT even ask what they are wearing. they are crazy.
they just kept bringing me stuff and i put it on.
jimmy saw this on instagram and asked if they were wrestling outfits b/c lucy looked like she was about to body slam cate. HA!:
and minestrone making. by the way, this was DELICIOUS.
sidenote: i added some sausage.
did anyone even read this post? this is the kind of post that i'd probably just skim for photos if i was reading it. it's weird and random. haha! happy monday,loves!
wooo cku in stamford! well I'm grom GReenwich- next town over so I can recommend places for your to eat.
Posted by: nicole @ I am a Honey Bee | 09/17/2012 at 08:24 AM
hee hee- I will read ANYTHING you post Stephanie! I lift my coffee cup...here's to randomness! Blessings.
Posted by: Sharon Osborn | 09/17/2012 at 08:29 AM
This post makes me happy, actually. Life isn't about organized little boxes, as much as we try to make it that way! Love that you're embracing each moment! And the littles? They're way too cute.
Posted by: Linnea | 09/17/2012 at 08:35 AM
good to know that you are going to CHA next year. Would love to meet you if i can make it.This year I was able to attend CHA Anaheim and brought you some presents. Was hoping you might appear at the SC booth but well it did not happen. I passed your present to Kelly but not very sure you received it.Hope by then I can meet you again.
Posted by: tan li teng | 09/17/2012 at 08:37 AM
goodness, you are so sweet! no i didnt receive anything but thank you so much for thinking of me!
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 09/17/2012 at 08:37 AM
yes, i actually read it all! ha!
Posted by: Susanne | 09/17/2012 at 08:38 AM
sometimes random posts are the best kinds :) love seeing what you've been up to...the picture of the babies walking outside is so beautiful! and you've inspired me to figure out where on earth we put the fall decorations in this move. i love decorating for fall!
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | 09/17/2012 at 08:45 AM
thanks for making me smile Monday morning. Have a blessed day
Posted by: Mary R | 09/17/2012 at 08:58 AM
can.not.stop.laughing. at the pro wrestling photo!!!!
Posted by: Miriam Prantner | 09/17/2012 at 09:02 AM
I read it!! LOL!! I love these kinds of posts best! Those little tv trays that the girls are eating on in the living room are the best, my kids use them all the time on movie night for popcorn, etc... And those sweet twin babies are so precious! It melts my heart how they hug and touch each other, that special bond is for a lifetime!!
Posted by: Kami Pfingsten | 09/17/2012 at 09:04 AM
Yes, I am in Connecticut. Would love to go to CKU and will have to check my schedule. And the minestrone recipe = awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Wendy G. | 09/17/2012 at 09:04 AM
I love random. It IS the stuff of life. Happy Monday!
Posted by: Nikki M | 09/17/2012 at 09:04 AM
Read it all..laughed at the hilariousness of the "baby body slammer" AND printing the minestrone soup recipe for dinner tonight! Love random goodness especially on Mondays!
Posted by: Angie | 09/17/2012 at 09:10 AM
I read it. I liked it. I always do. :)
g
Posted by: Gillian | 09/17/2012 at 09:24 AM
i'm in ct. but alas i'm not going to cku stamford. have fun!
Posted by: celeste | 09/17/2012 at 09:34 AM
I am in CT!!!!!! Not sure about CKU though . Keep us posted! Todays post is just what I needed as I sip my pumpkin coffee:) Happy Fall in New England. What a great time of year to start off in a new place.
Posted by: heather R. | 09/17/2012 at 09:38 AM
Yes I read it, Silly - and that overwhelmed lady is me. And I should really type up the PTSA General Board meeting minutes from last Monday, because our president is driving me crazy asking for them. Driving. Me. Crazy. Of course, just because I'm procrastinating, reading blogs is probably driving HER crazy. I have to win.
Posted by: Kirsten J | 09/17/2012 at 09:52 AM
I always read your post, there is something in it what will let me laugh or think and that is always GOOD!
Hugs Yvon.
Posted by: yvon | 09/17/2012 at 09:58 AM
I actually prefer reading random posts! It proves to me that I am not the only one who thinks like this! Your little ones are wayyy tooo cute! my gd started kindergarten this fall and already she seems more grownup so i am missing her little girl thoughts alot!
Posted by: Cheryl | 09/17/2012 at 10:14 AM
I always read every word! It isn't random - it's LIFE. I can't believe how big the babies are getting. They are just too funny! It's supposed to be a Savannah soaker tomorrow & I'm making your soup & scrapping all day! Enjoy your crazy happy week!
Posted by: ginny | 09/17/2012 at 10:31 AM
Love reading all your posts and if they're photo heavy, all the better. I'm enjoying watching Cate and Lucy grow up (also Sadie and Harper!) they are adorable. Their photos usually make me smile wide. Love the one of them in dress up. Hahahaha.
Posted by: [email protected] | 09/17/2012 at 10:33 AM
My kind of post, it's so real!
Posted by: Marie | 09/17/2012 at 10:52 AM
Loved the post, loved the writing. I always love your writing style.
P.S. I was at an antique store over the weekend with lots of milkglass and thought of you!
Posted by: angela ezzell | 09/17/2012 at 10:58 AM
JEALOUS!!
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 09/17/2012 at 10:58 AM
I read every word. I'm do happy you're happy, and not worried. To not be worried is such a blessing
Posted by: Shereen | 09/17/2012 at 10:58 AM
Read your post and enjoyed your photos:) Your soup looks delicious and so happy for you on getting to travel...fun times!
Posted by: Elisabeth C | 09/17/2012 at 11:14 AM
Yes, I read it...read all your posts! Life without worry is wonderful. Yes, it makes sense. Random is real. Thanks for being real!
Posted by: Kim S. | 09/17/2012 at 11:41 AM
You should send the 'joy' sidewalk chalk shadow picture to Jana @ babysteals... since that's her slogan and all and what a cute kid version! :)
I love those pro-wrestlers.
Posted by: bree | 09/17/2012 at 11:44 AM
Oh my! Those outfits made me laugh out loud! Gosh, I love their hair!!
Posted by: Natalie | 09/17/2012 at 11:49 AM
I read, I enjoyed, I delighted, I sympathized. Many hugs to you! :)
Posted by: Jennifer Henson | 09/17/2012 at 11:53 AM
I'm so happy your family is together this year. I guess not feeling worried makes room to a lot of other experiences this year :D
xoxo, Bea
Posted by: Bea Monforte | 09/17/2012 at 11:55 AM
Always love your posts.... happy Monday!!!
Girls are fun!!
CHA fun.... CKU.. lucky if all work out!
Posted by: jennifer Camplin | 09/17/2012 at 12:03 PM
I love the random posts!
Posted by: Melanie C | 09/17/2012 at 12:25 PM
Of course we read it. Random and scattered is the new normal for everyone.
Posted by: Alison | 09/17/2012 at 12:37 PM
Random is what makes life so interesting! Great post today. Glad you are going to CKU and CHA! Wish you could have been at Scrapfest this past weekend. I took two MME classes - was hoping you were going to be there, but we had to settle for K.C. Have fun at CKU!
Posted by: sandra m. | 09/17/2012 at 12:45 PM
Of course we did!
Posted by: Dena | 09/17/2012 at 12:47 PM
Stephanie, your posts are always worth reading! A laugh, a tear, or just a smile in an "i've-been-there-too!" kind of way :)
Keep us posted if you got to CHA Anaheim! So glad this job is such a blessing to you.
Posted by: Fontaine | 09/17/2012 at 12:54 PM
These are actually my favorite type of posts, positive, random goodness :)
Posted by: Heather | 09/17/2012 at 01:00 PM
On my way to the grocery to buy a few things for that delicious looking soup - what kind of sausage did you add?
Posted by: ginny | 09/17/2012 at 01:24 PM
Spicy turkey sausage. I crumbled and sautéed it and added it with the Zuchinni at the end. Xo
Sent from my iPhone
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 09/17/2012 at 01:29 PM
I read every word too! I love minestrone soup and will have to try it with sausage the next time I make it :)
Posted by: Kim Boken | 09/17/2012 at 01:29 PM
Duh, of course I read it- I read all your posts...its OTHER people's posts that I skim for pictures!
Posted by: Kelley Hartnett | 09/17/2012 at 02:04 PM
Random is good too, keeps us on our toes:). It does look like they're ready to wrestle! Have fun in Connecticut! I wish CHA was open to the gneral public, I would love to go to the Anaheim show and do a side trip to Disneyland....have a great day!
Posted by: clippergirl | 09/17/2012 at 02:43 PM
I am so happy you posted about Skinnytaste. Her recipes are great. I had the skinny pumpkin overnight oats for breakfast this morning and made a few batches of her pesto last night.
Posted by: christi in ma | 09/17/2012 at 04:20 PM
I read it. And laughed...mostly at the adorable twinsies photo. And pinned your 1950s lady with the oh so true quote. Thank you for the great Monday morning laugh!
Posted by: Megan Smith | 09/17/2012 at 04:58 PM
love the randomness! I am from CT...keep your status on attending CKU updated!!
Posted by: staceymichu | 09/17/2012 at 05:43 PM
I read every word of every post and love to see all the pictures. I am so happy that you are able to say that you are not worrying for the first time in years! That is a wonderful thing for your body,mind and soul!!! Wish I could go to CT. Hope it all works out for you!!
Posted by: Jersey Girl Anne | 09/17/2012 at 07:09 PM
yep! i read it all too and i think i like it more cuz it was so random. ha! i love that pic of the beauty shop morning, so sweet!!
Posted by: kim smart | 09/17/2012 at 07:38 PM
*puts hand up* i did. I love hearing about the everyday random, Stephanie!
Posted by: ruth | 09/17/2012 at 07:43 PM
You are so funny! It is so good to read about your happiness!!! I wanted to let you know that I will be at CKU in Stamford, also as a TA! Can't wait!!! CKU said they would send me more details next month. I will be driving up from Delaware!! Would love to meet you! And give you a big hug!!! You make me smile often. And I fret with you when J is away, but glad to hear you are not worried now!
Posted by: Lucie Hale | 09/17/2012 at 07:48 PM
:)
and that's all i'll say lol...
YAAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!
xo
Posted by: Nicole | 09/17/2012 at 07:59 PM
I read it. The picture of the twins paired with J's comment made me crack up laughing. Such a fun age!
Posted by: Erin R. | 09/17/2012 at 08:03 PM
haha! I loved the ending comment about just skimming photos. Not me on this post. I thought it was awesome because sometimes it's those bits of overwhelm that really, truly demonstrate the very days we're in.
Posted by: Katie | 09/17/2012 at 09:44 PM
It is hard to believe they are coming close to being two! Time passes so quickly. I love your rambling posts. They make me feel at home! Hugs, Ketena
Posted by: Ketena | 09/18/2012 at 02:22 AM
Fall is such a busy time for me, too. Last year I was so overwhelmed in the Fall that by Christmas I was too exhausted to enjoy the season....which is a crime. So this year I am definitely saying NO to more things so that my Christmas with my family with be better this year. We all love your randomness!!!
Posted by: Christina A. | 09/18/2012 at 03:57 AM
I did read it, and can relate. The picture of the twins' outfits wrapped up the post nicely, and cracked me up!
Have a wonderful week...
Posted by: Amy K | 09/18/2012 at 05:43 AM
It's random, but certainly not weird. Silly girl. Don't friends talk about random stuff together all the time?! ;) xoxo
Posted by: Gayle W. | 09/18/2012 at 06:10 AM
I READ EVERY WORD AND LOVE LOVE IT!! These are the best kinda posts, little everyday peeks and thoughts into that beautiful family of yours. I consider the photos a BONUS!!! They are so cute, how big the little ones are getting. Happy Fall in your new home, how exciting to decorate and visit new places.
What a great feeling it must be for you not to worry right now and to JUST BE HAPPY AND LIVE LIFE!!!
Thanks for this very awesome random post, KEEP THEM COMING!!
Posted by: dawn | 09/18/2012 at 07:29 AM
Looks like you had a fabulous weekend Stephanie! I read every word :) I love the dress-up photo of Cate and Lucy! It reminds me of my Kira when she was about that age; I have several photos of her having dressed herself which are hilarious but one of my favorites she has orange gloves on her feet - those stretchy knit gloves they sell for a dollar - and we call it her chicken feet. I would post it but she would kill me :) I am so happy for you that you are happy and not worried anymore! What a relief that must be! Have a lovely week!
Posted by: Becky D | 09/18/2012 at 08:40 AM
I read all of it and laughed out loud at the last pic of the girls. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: MariClaudi | 09/18/2012 at 07:33 PM
I so get liking to use your brain for something else :) I love being at home with my boys but it's nice to think read and talk with other adults too. Thank goodness for friends and blogs to read. Love the body slamming outfits :-D
Posted by: libbywilko | 09/19/2012 at 06:15 AM
Read it, loved it! :) I was SO wanting to go to CHA this Jan... but our house needs a new roof. and well.. that's kinda priority ;) hehe
Posted by: Justlulu | 09/19/2012 at 11:46 AM
I ALWAYS read hun, may not post a comment every time but I always read... :)
Posted by: Christine Campbell | 09/19/2012 at 01:33 PM
i read it. :) glad you are not worried. i feel like i worry 24/7 over things so small.
Posted by: abby | 09/19/2012 at 06:48 PM
I read it and loved it!!! I can handle random!!!!
Posted by: Joaniebolognie | 09/19/2012 at 09:43 PM
I live in CT but won't be able to go to CKU.. although I wish I could! If you have time to stop at a scrappy store, Papercraft Clubhouse is on the way just off the highway... and an outlet mall is conveniently there too with great kid clothing stores! http://www.scrapbookclubhouse.com/
Posted by: jennybean | 09/21/2012 at 05:57 PM